Need new carrier for my 13 month old or Recommendation for sewing one

[cbscherer]

OK, I must admit I am overwhelmed. Life was great when I owned a few ring slings and my bambino was no problem to carry in them. However, she has gotten SOO heavy lately, I cannot use the slings for long periods even more. I am pretty petite, and lugging around this kid on one shoulder is now killing my neck.

So I started looking at other types of carriers on the babywearer and was 1) overwhelmed by the variety and features, 2) caused my hubby to have a coronary about the prices on the ones I could try, 3)not that crazy about how some of them looked (ok that is the shallow part of this post; I confess that I am aware that functionality right now is more important).

Anyhow, I cannot convince the hubby to let me shell out 75 plus bucks to try out a carrier he is afraid that I will not like. SO my MIL has offered to make me one instead (sweet and talented woman that she is). Problem: I have no idea where to start looking for patterns or even what patterns are good for heavier babies and their petite mamas. Any suggestions or is there no way I can expect for a homemade carrier to be comfortable?

Finally, for those of you who wear your older children, is there a carrier you would risk marital discord to purchase?

[hellbennt]

I hope there aren't too many dead links...
but here are sewing your own MT (aka: ABC, Asian style, etc)links along with other sewing your own carrier links:



How to Make your Own:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/slingsewing - discussion group

http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/index.html?Baby/crafts.html - click on’ baby related crafts' for complete list- includes a LOT - pouches, slings, different kinds of Mei Tais/ABCs, etc

http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/printasian.html - asian-style carrier (printer-friendly directions)

http://crafts.sleepingbaby.net/man-tai.shtml 'man-tai' making one for your dh- instructions are good for any fabric, though!!!

http://www.sewing.2ya.com/ Look For 'Asian Baby Sling' Link , 2nd Column- asian style

http://www3.telus.net/public/a6a83106/Sling/sling.html asian style

http://home.alltel.net/sm00212/abc_gallery02/

http://www.bradley-etheridge.com/MaeMeiTai.htm make a mei tai w/ changeable panels!!!

http://www.slingmemommy.com/ ring sling

http://www.geocities.com/sling_a_ma_bob/instructions.html ring sling

http://www.ida.net/users/stace/sling.html - pouch (no rings)

http://mamafitzz.tripod.com/slingpocket.html how to put a pocket on your sling

http://www.borntolove.com/frugal-column9.html rebezo style- cloth wrap

http://home.alltel.net/sm00212/abc_gallery01/ asian style photos

http://www.kellymom.com/parenting/sling.html#sewing

to make pouch smaller/take it in: http://www.sweetthingsbabyslings.com/order_stock_pouch_resize.html



And, if you'd rather take the pouch in by cutting out the pocket seam, trimming to the desired length and re-doing the pocket, you can look at the last instructions on the above page.



~laura in miami~
ds1 7/03
ds2 7/06

[mamababa]

It's definitely possible to make a comfy carrier! Not that I'd know myself, but of course most of the best carriers out there are home-designed. I think a mei tai style carrier would be great for you, they are awesome for older babies. Have you been to the DIY board at TBW? The mamas there can definitely help you with finding a pattern.

If the DIY doesn't work out and you're looking for cheapers MTs, Sachi MTs are one of my favorites and they are great for older and younger kids. I have a code for free shipping at a site that still has the "old" $65 price, so that might feel more reasonable...